NHL 25 is officially live for those who have pre-ordered the Deluxe Edition of the game.
The highlights of NHL 25 are the new ICE-Q technology, revamped AI, Next-Gen Characters, Skill-Based One-Timers, and Grudge Matches. Significant changes were also made to Franchise Mode, Hockey Ultimate Team, World of Chel, AI teammates, and Goaltending Awareness.
The changes to HUT and WoC will incorporate new dynamic live events that allow casual and core players alike new gameplay options, “We want to invite more people in, but to do that we need to give more experiences…this will give our core players more things to do but invite more people into those modes respectively over the cycle,” EA Senior Design Director Mike Inglehart told The Hockey News.
Screenshots of the game are below.
View the 8 images of this gallery on the original article
Some personal early gameplay impressions: the skating feels significantly smoother from NHL 24, and glitch goals from previous games appear to have been patched.
Puck interceptions, stick lifts, and poke checks all work well, poke checking at the wrong time still results in a trip but penalties from stick lifts appear to be toned down.
“Skating, AI, and the Reactive Actions were designed to be a harmony where it all works together complimenting each other…as people play more games you will notice more things,” said Inglehart.
It is still early but the revamped AI has been noticeably better in its decision making, and defense feels strong with new Vision Control.
The Skill-Based One-Timers are currently overpowered and result in a goal more often than not.
There does not appear to be any significant changes to Be A Pro.
NHL 25 will be released in full for those who do not plan on purchasing the Deluxe Edition on Oct. 4.
For more NHL 25 news and gameplay reviews make sure you bookmark The Hockey News Gaming Site. For gaming discussion check out our forum.